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Hermitage, PA--The American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC) is pleased to announce that it has named Paul Klecka as its new President. Klecka replaces Linda MacNeil who opted not to accept a second term.

Since 1982 Paul Klecka has created inspired designs applauded by De Beers, Platinum Guild, AGTA Spectrum, CPAA and Palladium Alliance. He has shared his expertise as a design consultant to GIA, Stuller, and Hearts on Fire.

His industry service includes: Director/Marketing Committee Chair, the AMERICAN GEM SOCIETY; Director/PR Committee Chair, AMERICAN JEWELRY DESIGN COUNCIL; and Director, MANUFACTURING JEWELERS/SUPPLIERS OF AMERICA.

Paul has developed and presented educational programs for: AMERICAN GEM SOCIETY; GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA; PLATINUM GUILD OF AMERICA; The JCK SHOW; Rio Grande's CLASP; and PM West's KRAFTWERKS.

Klecka says “Like many organizations affected by the events of the past year, the American Jewelry Design Council must explore new directions. I am pleased to be chosen as President to have the opportunity to guide and oversee our journey.

I thank Linda MacNeil for her confidence and trust in me, and I will continue as AJDC President with the same commitment and energy that she brought to the organization.”

About the American Jewelry Design Council

The American Jewelry Design Council is a non-profit educational corporation, which recognizes and promotes the appreciation of original jewelry design as art. AJDC is committed to raising the awareness of the jewelry industry, the art community, the media, and the consumer about the aesthetic value of artistic fine jewelry.

Members of the American Jewelry Design Council are dedicated to elevating the caliber of jewelry design through educational activities and to challenging professional jewelry designers worldwide to actualize their creative potential. Founding members included Whitney Boin, Michael Bondanza, Henry Dunay, Michael Good, Ron Hartgrove, Pascal Lacroix, and the late Jose Hess and Cornelis Hollander.